Hey guys, I guess I still need to introduce myself. Ive been into cars since I was a little kid. When I graduated hugh school I got a '94 Mustang GT. I had it for about 6 years, and I changed almost every single part on that thing. Once I rebuild the bottom end of the engine, I am pretty sure Ill have touched pretty much every component on an SN95. Its actually reall cool having a car almost exactly like my old one, except its a convertible and an auto (I wont be using this tranny). Color is the same, and it even has the same style wheels. Mine were a little nicer though. And the back ones were 17x10.5in wheels with some 315s on them (Think I can fit those on a Miata? ).

Anyway, I picked up the car a few weeks ago for $550. The front passenger side was wrecked but it started right up and I drove it on and off of the trailer. Still runs strong and only has 116K on it. I do plan on rebuilding it though.

I work nights, so I usually work on it at night when Im off. Went from 6PM till 4AM last night and got a lot of the major components out. Im taking my time and labeling everything I take off that I think I may end up using, even the bolts. It takes a little longer, and I know I probably wont use everything, but I feel it will make re-assembly a breeze.

I currently in the process of pulling the computer and the wiring harness. Ive got everything unplugged and just need to get under the dash and put the wires into the engine bay and remove the computer.

After that I need to get under it and get any wires that are on the bottom of the engine, the trans mount, shifter, and driveshaft. After that it should be ready to come out.

As far as the car its going into, I don't have it yet. Never owned a Miata, but drive one for a little while before, and wanted one. I remember seeing Monster Miata online years ago and thought how cool it would be to have a V8 Miata, and here we are.

I plan on doing the build as funds allow, so it wont be the quickest build. But once I have everything I need, I tend to put in a ton of work. As long as Ive got beer Ill do 20 hours of work if Im off for two days in a row and don't have any plans.

I bought a few tools I new Id need for the swap. An engine hoist was one. I don't know how I went this only without one. Never needed to pull and engine, but theyre super useful for all kinds of lifting.

Ill post up some pics later tonight when Im done. Gonna go back to it and pull the passenger seat so I can fit up under the dash and get the harness and computer out.

I also noticed the throttle body was a 65mm BBK as well. Didn't get a pic though. Isn't 65MM stock on these Mustangs? I could swear that's what my other one had.

Im being very careful about where I put everything. Usually if Im just doing one accessory or something I just throw all the bolts in a magnetic tray. So Im trying to keep everything as organized as possible. I picked up a few of these boxes from Harbor Freight for $5.

Anyone know what the black plug in the middle and the black and red one in the bottom left are? I need to label them but didnt know what to put, so I just put their location.

I knew this was gonna be a mess as soon as I opened the radiator cap.

This is how it sits right now, except I pulled all the wires out of the passenger side. I just need to get the plugs from inside through the tiny hole in the firewall. Might have to get my buddy to help with that. It was wrecked on the passenger side and it looks like it MAY have closed the firewall hole up just a tiny bit, so I may end up cutting it if I cant squeeze it through.

If there was that much crap on the top of the pistons, I would wonder what the build up in the ring grooves looked like. ALSO, I have seen many of these engines, mine included, that had EVERY ring groove lined up on EVERY piston from the factory causing oil consumption and build up on top of the pistons.

If there was that much crap on the top of the pistons, I would wonder what the build up in the ring grooves looked like. ALSO, I have seen many of these engines, mine included, that had EVERY ring groove lined up on EVERY piston from the factory causing oil consumption and build up on top of the pistons.

Yea Iv been thinking that I may change the rings, bearings, and put some ARP bolts in. Ive never gone this far into an engine before, but i know I can get it done. It seems easy enough. Just need to figure out what size rings to get.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Castillo817

What did you used to clean the piston heads?

A flathead screwdriver and the little green 3M wheel on top of the rag in the last pic.

So I put the car on craigslist a few days ago. Had a guy message me about the rear end. Turns out he has a T5 from an SN95, but swapped to a fox input shaft, the SN95 bell hosing, the SN95 input shaft, and an older fox T5 that he's gonna throw in for any parts I need. All that and he comes and takes the junk Mustang out of my back yard. Winner.

Update for you guys. I'm still working on collecting parts. In the meantime, Ive been driving around with the 1.8L. I'm also working on getting the car fixed up for everyday driving. New soft top and brakes coming in a week or so. Then I need to get some new tires. I will definitely get a Hard dog roll bar, just gotta decide if I wanna get it before or after I start the swap. Probably just get it before so ill have it done.

Ive got a guy that will trade the AODE I pulled from the Mustang for a T5 from an '89 Fox body. So Ill have the shorter bellhousing for better clearance on the firewall. And Ive also got a lead on a k-member that has already been modified. If I can get my hands on both of those things, then It may be time to park the Miata and start pulling the engine.

Ive got the engine and wiring harness so far. So if I add the transmission and k-member to that, Ive got enough to start the process, and I can sell the stock Miata stuff to fund more of the V8 stuff. Its coming together quicker than I expected.

Just thinking about having a V8 in this thing gives me a huge grin. I cant wait until I get the rest of the parts.